civilized

adjective

civ·​i·​lized ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd How to pronounce civilized (audio)
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially : characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint

Examples of civilized in a Sentence

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice. Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this. Try to act like a civilized human being! a civilized way to spend the evening
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Families Like Ours, the slowly rising North Sea forces Denmark to follow Holland’s example and—in an orderly and civilized manner—evacuate the entire country. Air Mail, 21 June 2025 In civilized countries, law enforcement officers wear nametags and numbered badges. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2025 Iran has been stringing along international watchdogs and civilized nations for years regarding its nuclear program. Editorial, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 The whole world, the United States, and Europe must finally respond as a civilized society responds to terrorists. Isabel Van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for civilized

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilized was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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